On this Monday, March 17th of 2003, the qimutsiit have made it halfway through the race. Arriving in Salluit just in time for lunch, they are given a warm welcome by Sallumiut, who had been expecting them anxiously.
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Camped out not too far (15 miles) from Salluit, just behind the two hills protecting Nuvukallaak, the bay in front of which the community is settled, the qimutsiit arrived just in time for lunch. The town also hosting a regional peewee hockey tournament, there was a lot of people awaiting the arrival of the qimutsiit by the Bay, just in front of the village. Expecting the qimutsiit who were slowed down by stormy weather in the beginning of the race for quite a while now, everybody was getting anxious to witness this event, the first of its kind to take place here in Salluit, since there hasn’t been any dog teams in the community since the 1970s. As soon as the people saw the first dog team coming from the point of the Bay, they started shouting “Qimutsiq! Qimutsiq!”, while the kids were waiving their small Ivakkak flags high up in the air. For some, especially the elders who had once owned their own dog teams, it was very emotional. For the little ones too, it was exciting, as some were seeing a dog team for the first time in their life. Young and old also had a lot of fun trying to catch the many Ivakkak hats, neck warmers and other gifts that the Makivik Board member for Salluit was trowing out in the air from the loader. All in all, it was a lot of fun, and the qimutsitiit felt at home as soon as the first hand shakes were given. Since it was time for lunch, they all went in to have some country food with their relatives and friends in the community. The afternoon break was also appreciated, as some had to work on their sleds and take care of their dogs. At 6:00 PM, they all went shopping at the local Co-op again, to refill on road supplies and food, as they will be on their way again tomorrow, at lunch time. Afterwards, the community had planned a feast for the racers and their crew to mingle with the locals. There, the qimutsiit shared their experience with the crowd, each of them telling their own story. It was a great time.
| Rank |  |
Racer | |
Today’s Time | |
Total Time |
| 1. | |
Peter Kiatainaq | |
1 hr 26 min 58 sec | |
20 hrs 39 min 5 sec |
| 2. |
|
Charlie Watt Jr. | |
1 hr 25 min 33 sec | |
20 hrs 51 min 21 sec |
| 3. |
|
Willie Kulula Sr. | |
1 hr 26 min 20 sec | |
20 hrs 54 min 51 sec |
| 4. |
|
Bobby Novalinga | |
1 hr 28 min 38 sec | |
22 hrs 24 min 1 sec |
| 5. |
|
Charlie Inukpuk | |
1 hr 43 min 23 sec | |
25 hrs 13 min 36 sec |
| 6. |
|
Tamusi Sivuaraapik | |
1 hr 54 min 5 sec | |
25 hrs 49 min 34 sec |
| 7. |
|
Harry Okpik | |
2 hrs 18 min 57 sec | |
25 hrs 54 min 1 sec |
| 8. |
|
Aisara Kenuayuak | |
2 hrs 13 min 20 sec | |
27 hrs 22 min 36 sec |
| 9. |
|
George Annanack | |
2 hrs 11 min 32 sec | |
28 hrs 24 min 51 sec |
| 10. |
|
Willie Cain Jr. | |
2 hrs 19 min 54 sec | |
30 hrs 43 min 59 sec |
| 11. |
|
Juani Beaulne | |
2 hrs 20 min 40 sec | |
31 hrs 59 min 57 sec |
| 12. |
|
Adamie Inukpuk | |
2 hrs 12 min 35 sec | |
34 hrs 19 min 29 sec |
| 13. |
|
Adamie Qumak | |
2 hrs 19 min 8 sec | |
34 hrs 35 min 27 sec |
| 14. |
|
Nutaraaluk Iyaituk | |
2 hrs 24 min 50 sec | |
34 hrs 51 min 21 sec |
